Editor’s Note: Susan McCreath has been selected to participate in the Year of You, a fitness challenge hosted by The Manteca Bulletin and CORE Athletic Performance. McCreath is keeping a weekly journal, highlighting the strides and struggles of her fitness journey. These are her thoughts and feelings shared with you.
Day 174
Back to the work grind. That means setting the alarm and getting ready for the day. My husband juiced this morning, which is something that I just can’t get into. I like to chew my food, not drink it. Even though what he is drinking is loaded with healthy stuff, the shade of green it is repulsive! I opted for my standard oatmeal and as I was struggling to get it down I thought that maybe I needed to change up what I was eating and that tomorrow I would try juicing.
Day 175
Still no juicing for me. I just can’t bring myself to mix vegetables with fruits in a blender with yogurt. I do eat fruits, vegetables and yogurt everyday ... just not mixed together! Tonight’s workout had me doing a personal best of 20 push-ups in a row without stopping. Yes, they were on my knees, but still a personal best. I also benched 70 pounds for three sets of 10; another personal best. By the end of the workout I’m not exactly sure how many push-ups, dips, and arm curls I did, but I do know this: There was hardly any feeling left in my arms at the end and I was a sweaty mess. A good feeling!
Day 176
It’s amazing how sweaty and tired I can get even though I am avoiding impact on my knees: No running, jumping, squats, or lunges. I still feel like I am getting a good work out and this humidity is really helping out in the sweat department. I’m feeling positive about my workouts right now and my body is feeling energized. A good feeling!
Day 177
Today at work our school was chosen to taste test a new lunch menu item for students. It was a hummus gyro wrap and it was amazingly delicious. It tasted so fresh and healthy! I am happy to see that new, fresh, healthy items are being explored for our children! Plus, if the school lunches are this healthy I won’t have to pack my lunch every day! I went to an event tonight where I saw several people that I have not seen since before this journey began. They promptly told me that they faithfully read my diary every week and they all said that I look way better in person than the pictures and articles are showing. That was a nice compliment and one that I have been receiving much more often.
Day 178
I am getting used to wearing a knee sleeve on each knee. Kind of like Spanx for your knees; it holds the kneecap and everything else in there in place. It’s amazing how much better my knees feel with just this simple sleeve. However, it is kind of weird to think that I walk around all the time with them on. Kind of makes me feel old, makes me feel like people are staring at me. In reality though, they are hardly noticeable and they provide tremendous support so I shall continue to wear them. My spirits are good and I can’t help but think that my diet has something to do with this. I am really paying attention to what I eat and how different foods make me feel. If I had the time I should probably start journaling that as well!
Day 179
The family went for a drive up to Lake Tulloch today and we found ourselves eating in a BBQ type place. My husband instantly orders deep fried pickles for an appetizer. I look at him with that, “You have got to be kidding me look.” Thankfully for me, though, I hate pickles!!! However, as the waitress is taking our drink orders I notice they have Blue Moon on tap. Mmmm … I make the right choice though and order a glass of water! My daughters and I all order salads, which were delicious, as we watched my husband eat a pulled pork sandwich and onion rings that smelled out-of-this-world delicious. It was a good feeling though knowing that I made the right choice.
Day 180
On Sundays I usually like to walk this 4-plus-mile route around town and tonight was no different. As I started walking I was feeling really good and energetic and decided that I was going to see how fast I could walk the course tonight. It typically takes me between 58 to 60 minutes. Tonight I did it in 52 minutes! I was feeling so good that I came inside and busted out some sit-ups as well. A good feeling to end the week with!
Connect with Susan McCreath and CORE Athletic Performance trainer Robert Iniguez on the Year of You Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/theyearofyouchallenge.
